I?WOULD like to respond to Anne Farrell of Sling, regarding the story published in a recent Review headed 'Dangerous dogs'.

Though it must have been a frightening experience for both her husband and herself, I feel her views that all dogs should be muzzled is a little harsh to say the least.

We have a family dog we walk every day within the woodland close to our home. Our dog is only allowed off the lead when there is no-one else around, and if we see other dogs or people coming towards us, we take action and place her back on the lead.

We understand that not everyone likes dogs pounding towards them, and it can become a little scary and intimidating, especially if it's a larger breed of dog.

The owner of the dog they met while out walking was very inconsiderate to others around him and should not have allowed his dog to be out of sight completely. He gives other responsible dog owners a bad name and for this he should feel ashamed.

This, however, does not mean that all dogs should be muzzled while out walking with their owners! Not all dogs are dangerous and for this reason alone why should they have to be muzzled? Maybe it's the owner, who should be kept on a lead and muzzle, not the dog.

– Rachel Watkins, Westfield Road, Cinderford.